Discussion Forum > Moving through the pages
Hi learning as I go
It's just the term Martin used to differentiate the original instructions with the adapted instructions in posts at the beginning of this thread and comes out his reply to moises on 7 February where he said "For the purposes of this post, I'll call the system laid out in Mark's original instructions 'AF1', and I'll use 'AF2' as a label for the system we get if we combine those instructions with the added instruction to try and make sure that you rotate through all your pages at least once a day, adjusting your intuitions (/ twiddling your "little and often" knob) to do so (if necessary). So AF1 doesn't say anything about adjusting one's intuitions, but AF2 does."
Don't worry - you haven't missed some vital new release of the system! :-)
It's just the term Martin used to differentiate the original instructions with the adapted instructions in posts at the beginning of this thread and comes out his reply to moises on 7 February where he said "For the purposes of this post, I'll call the system laid out in Mark's original instructions 'AF1', and I'll use 'AF2' as a label for the system we get if we combine those instructions with the added instruction to try and make sure that you rotate through all your pages at least once a day, adjusting your intuitions (/ twiddling your "little and often" knob) to do so (if necessary). So AF1 doesn't say anything about adjusting one's intuitions, but AF2 does."
Don't worry - you haven't missed some vital new release of the system! :-)
February 9, 2009 at 7:44 |
Christine B
Christine B
moises wrote : 'I implemented the rule to do at least one item per page (or dismiss the page)' as a part of his AF2 system ...what made me curious how he worked in his AF1? Isn't this a main rule of Autofocus to do at least one item per each page or dismiss remaining items?
February 9, 2009 at 10:04 |
Krewetka
Krewetka
Hi Christine
Obviously, I don't read all of the posts.....and when I do, I don't remember much of what I read! I'm not lazy or stupid. Rather, part of my brain injuries involves short term memory loss.
Upon, reading about the dial........NOT FOR ME! LOL! I LOVE my hyperfocus jags when I'm on a roll! Since I keep to my rule about meeting responsibilities first.......I don't worry about it. I've been known to be on a roll for as long as 30 hours straight. It's exciting and rewarding. Also, it's the culmination of me getting it laid out in my head whilst I do boring stuff or do my "prime the pump" ritual. In short, I fill my mind with whatever I think will contribute to it's accomplishment: music, reading, drawing, etc until I fall asleep. Many times I'll wake up with either a EUREKA response or intuiting what I need to experience next. Once I know, I make real what's in my head. True, the authorities advise against this but this method has always served me well. When I was a Medical Illustrator, I was known as "The 11th hour artist" LOL! Most artists slowly and carefully labor over their rendering. If I've got the visualization.....then I operate at lightening speed. (Lightening Speed is a comparative term. My 30 hours may seem like a long period of time. But it's a nano second compare to other artists requiring weeks to do the same thing.)
As Mark says.....do whatever works for you! I understand his instructions to be alternatives to test....not fixed rules. I think that is why he is so successful with helping so many people. He is regularly offering up many and varied methods that have worked for him and puts it out there for us to test for ourselves. He graciously will even tailor his suggestions when someone has a problem with the main rule. Thanks, Mark!....and thanks to the posters. This is a great forum. Even if I'm visiting here as a break during work times, I'm staying in work mode while simultaneously learning or challenged to consider other folks' perspectives.....
learning as I go
learning as I go
Obviously, I don't read all of the posts.....and when I do, I don't remember much of what I read! I'm not lazy or stupid. Rather, part of my brain injuries involves short term memory loss.
Upon, reading about the dial........NOT FOR ME! LOL! I LOVE my hyperfocus jags when I'm on a roll! Since I keep to my rule about meeting responsibilities first.......I don't worry about it. I've been known to be on a roll for as long as 30 hours straight. It's exciting and rewarding. Also, it's the culmination of me getting it laid out in my head whilst I do boring stuff or do my "prime the pump" ritual. In short, I fill my mind with whatever I think will contribute to it's accomplishment: music, reading, drawing, etc until I fall asleep. Many times I'll wake up with either a EUREKA response or intuiting what I need to experience next. Once I know, I make real what's in my head. True, the authorities advise against this but this method has always served me well. When I was a Medical Illustrator, I was known as "The 11th hour artist" LOL! Most artists slowly and carefully labor over their rendering. If I've got the visualization.....then I operate at lightening speed. (Lightening Speed is a comparative term. My 30 hours may seem like a long period of time. But it's a nano second compare to other artists requiring weeks to do the same thing.)
As Mark says.....do whatever works for you! I understand his instructions to be alternatives to test....not fixed rules. I think that is why he is so successful with helping so many people. He is regularly offering up many and varied methods that have worked for him and puts it out there for us to test for ourselves. He graciously will even tailor his suggestions when someone has a problem with the main rule. Thanks, Mark!....and thanks to the posters. This is a great forum. Even if I'm visiting here as a break during work times, I'm staying in work mode while simultaneously learning or challenged to consider other folks' perspectives.....
learning as I go
learning as I go
February 9, 2009 at 13:43 |
learning as I go
learning as I go
Hi learning as I go
I really appreciate the way in which Mark details his experiences and offers suggestions and also lets us learn for itself how it works. If only all learning was as non-threatening! Funny since doing AF I have actually slept a lot less and not been anywhere near as tired. I have been quite frustrated late at night sometimes when I am not alert enough to concentrate on many of my tasks that require enrgy but still feel in AF mode. The forum is great then - I am not taking time from other "standing out" tasks, yet learning more about the system at the same time - and my mind is still working on my lists even if I am not!
I really appreciate the way in which Mark details his experiences and offers suggestions and also lets us learn for itself how it works. If only all learning was as non-threatening! Funny since doing AF I have actually slept a lot less and not been anywhere near as tired. I have been quite frustrated late at night sometimes when I am not alert enough to concentrate on many of my tasks that require enrgy but still feel in AF mode. The forum is great then - I am not taking time from other "standing out" tasks, yet learning more about the system at the same time - and my mind is still working on my lists even if I am not!
February 9, 2009 at 15:20 |
Christine B
Christine B
Krewetka:
You're absolutely right. The requirement to do at least one item per page or dismiss the remaining items has always been there.
You're absolutely right. The requirement to do at least one item per page or dismiss the remaining items has always been there.
February 9, 2009 at 15:33 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Krewetka and Mark,
In my first two days of AF, I wasn't clear about that rule. Once I started following that rule, I felt even more anxious about missing routine tasks.
In my first two days of AF, I wasn't clear about that rule. Once I started following that rule, I felt even more anxious about missing routine tasks.
February 9, 2009 at 15:40 |
moises
moises
Re Flapping Arms to get to the store (see earlier in thread, on February 7th). It still hasn't been dismissed, but at least it gives me a chuckle every time I run across it.
February 13, 2009 at 17:15 |
Seraphim
Seraphim
Seraphim
Better be careful about trying or the little men in white coats might provide you with a new jacket to stop those flapping arms!
Better be careful about trying or the little men in white coats might provide you with a new jacket to stop those flapping arms!
February 13, 2009 at 17:17 |
Christine B
Christine B
LOL
February 14, 2009 at 0:09 |
Seraphim
Seraphim
So now you can chuckle and LOL - :-)
February 14, 2009 at 9:52 |
Christine B
Christine B
An electronic notebook, in stead of a paper one, would that make any difference?
Of course I'd keep the number of lines per page, the number of pages, etc. as instructed.
The reason for me is: I write an entry or re-entry a lot faster by typing it.
Would love to hear your comments on this.
Of course I'd keep the number of lines per page, the number of pages, etc. as instructed.
The reason for me is: I write an entry or re-entry a lot faster by typing it.
Would love to hear your comments on this.
February 15, 2009 at 21:23 |
Ton from Utrecht
Ton from Utrecht
Dear Mark,
I think the advantage of Do It Tomorrow is that you can draw a line under today's tasks, allowing one to turn off, whereas with Autofocus, there is no line- finishing a page if you can dismiss some and ignore others is too vague and not satisfying enough, and having 25-30 items to try and complete while you are adding pages to do is too many. The major benefit of Do it tomorrow was identifying what was reasonable in a day, drawing a line under it, and reevaluating one's commitments if this was not happening. Reading through your contributors who have the energy to work up to 25 pages is exhausting, and they seem to be exhausted, even if they have time to spend several hours a day reading this blog!
I think your good idea would be best served by having a) specific tasks (as per your abstract/concrete comment) and, as per GTD, which can be performed concretely and b) only a number of lines per page which can be fulfilled within a day to make it more workable ie 10-15 not 25-30. Those items not done at the end of the day should be re-entered at a new page. A priority should be made of closing a page, which should be more achieveable if the goals are more specific and concrete, moving a project forward, and allowing the next step to be made the next day, rather than ten pages hence, and allowing closure for the day's work. Achieving more by having more things hanging over one as unfinished items, especially if there are 10 or 25 pages of them, dismissed or otherwise, doesn't seem much of an advance.
I think the advantage of Do It Tomorrow is that you can draw a line under today's tasks, allowing one to turn off, whereas with Autofocus, there is no line- finishing a page if you can dismiss some and ignore others is too vague and not satisfying enough, and having 25-30 items to try and complete while you are adding pages to do is too many. The major benefit of Do it tomorrow was identifying what was reasonable in a day, drawing a line under it, and reevaluating one's commitments if this was not happening. Reading through your contributors who have the energy to work up to 25 pages is exhausting, and they seem to be exhausted, even if they have time to spend several hours a day reading this blog!
I think your good idea would be best served by having a) specific tasks (as per your abstract/concrete comment) and, as per GTD, which can be performed concretely and b) only a number of lines per page which can be fulfilled within a day to make it more workable ie 10-15 not 25-30. Those items not done at the end of the day should be re-entered at a new page. A priority should be made of closing a page, which should be more achieveable if the goals are more specific and concrete, moving a project forward, and allowing the next step to be made the next day, rather than ten pages hence, and allowing closure for the day's work. Achieving more by having more things hanging over one as unfinished items, especially if there are 10 or 25 pages of them, dismissed or otherwise, doesn't seem much of an advance.
February 15, 2009 at 22:22 |
Craig
Craig
Ton from Utrecht
Hi. You may find it helpful to look at the FAQ post which has links to a number of discussions including those on electronic vs paper systems.
http://www.markforster.net/forum/post/645945
My personal view is that the system works best on paper but I am a techie and do love electronic versions of things too. I have AF set up in MS OneNote also but feed that from my paper notebook which is the real heart of the system for me. Details of my OneNote setup are included under the above post, as are options using Outlook and various handheld device options.
Hope that helps .....
Hi. You may find it helpful to look at the FAQ post which has links to a number of discussions including those on electronic vs paper systems.
http://www.markforster.net/forum/post/645945
My personal view is that the system works best on paper but I am a techie and do love electronic versions of things too. I have AF set up in MS OneNote also but feed that from my paper notebook which is the real heart of the system for me. Details of my OneNote setup are included under the above post, as are options using Outlook and various handheld device options.
Hope that helps .....
February 15, 2009 at 23:26 |
Christine B
Christine B
Craig
The difference with AF is that it works with "ungraded" items. With DIT (which is a great system) you have little flexibility about the tasks that you are required to do in a day, only over when in the day you do them. AF goes not just a step further but almost infinitely further.
The idea is not to complete pages in one go, or even a specific number of items in a day. I personally may have 25+ active pages but many of those pages have only one or two items remaining. Some days I may complete 50 or 60 items, others only 10 or 20 or even less.
I suspect that you are probably fairly new to this and may not yet have tried the system. The benefits are not easy to see until you try it. Actually it is probably quite easy to get bogged down if you try to examine it too deeply - or read too much on the forum - before getting stuck in. Give it a go for a while and see how you get on ........
Good luck
The difference with AF is that it works with "ungraded" items. With DIT (which is a great system) you have little flexibility about the tasks that you are required to do in a day, only over when in the day you do them. AF goes not just a step further but almost infinitely further.
The idea is not to complete pages in one go, or even a specific number of items in a day. I personally may have 25+ active pages but many of those pages have only one or two items remaining. Some days I may complete 50 or 60 items, others only 10 or 20 or even less.
I suspect that you are probably fairly new to this and may not yet have tried the system. The benefits are not easy to see until you try it. Actually it is probably quite easy to get bogged down if you try to examine it too deeply - or read too much on the forum - before getting stuck in. Give it a go for a while and see how you get on ........
Good luck
February 15, 2009 at 23:38 |
Christine B
Christine B
Craig:
I'm not sure from what you've written that you've actually understood the system correctly. I suggest that you watch the video which is now on my blog:
http://www.markforster.net/blog/2009/2/15/at-last-autofocus-the-video.html
I'm not sure from what you've written that you've actually understood the system correctly. I suggest that you watch the video which is now on my blog:
http://www.markforster.net/blog/2009/2/15/at-last-autofocus-the-video.html
February 15, 2009 at 23:39 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Hi Mark - looks like we posted virtually simultaneously! We must be the sad ones staying up so late :-)
Great video - that will really be a great help in explaining the process.
Great video - that will really be a great help in explaining the process.
February 15, 2009 at 23:58 |
Christine B
Christine B
Hi Christine
I tweeked DIT into a weekly format to include both meeting my responsibilities and to move my goals forward...........with PLENTY of flex time scheduled in. Once my responsibilities are properly met, the path is clear for me to pursue both my creative aims and to best enjoy my other passions (and people). My meta-value is my quality of life both immediately and across my lifespan. Although My DIT is my customized hybrid method, it's been working quite well. Using a weekly format and diligently staying current leaves me plenty of flexibility to jump on wonderful opportunities, go on extended creative jags and do whatever else I like whilst meeting my responsibilities and forwarding my goals. My favorite aspect of DIT is the current initiative. No matter how I feel, I love looking forward to commencing with my current initiative first thing each day. It's also enjoyable to move onto the next one in the queque. Thanks, Mark for the Current Initiative. On particular hard days, working on my current initiative and eating well can be the high point of the day! *blush*
learning as I go
I tweeked DIT into a weekly format to include both meeting my responsibilities and to move my goals forward...........with PLENTY of flex time scheduled in. Once my responsibilities are properly met, the path is clear for me to pursue both my creative aims and to best enjoy my other passions (and people). My meta-value is my quality of life both immediately and across my lifespan. Although My DIT is my customized hybrid method, it's been working quite well. Using a weekly format and diligently staying current leaves me plenty of flexibility to jump on wonderful opportunities, go on extended creative jags and do whatever else I like whilst meeting my responsibilities and forwarding my goals. My favorite aspect of DIT is the current initiative. No matter how I feel, I love looking forward to commencing with my current initiative first thing each day. It's also enjoyable to move onto the next one in the queque. Thanks, Mark for the Current Initiative. On particular hard days, working on my current initiative and eating well can be the high point of the day! *blush*
learning as I go
February 16, 2009 at 3:29 |
learning as I go
learning as I go
Hi learning as I go
I too loved the concept of the current initiative within DIT - although could never quite keep it to just one :-) What I love about the way that AF is working for me, is that by using it with my Project (or Current Initiative) Management system, I can see my goals progressing so much more clearly. The "first thing" rule never sat well with me - that part of me that doesn't like being told when to do something I guess :-) - but being able to do it "when I feel like it" - ah now that really does it for me!
Funny but I'd not consciously built flex time into my daily schedule, but with AF I am finding it IS happening. The main benefit of that is time to think - something I don't feel I have been doing effectively for quite some time!
I too loved the concept of the current initiative within DIT - although could never quite keep it to just one :-) What I love about the way that AF is working for me, is that by using it with my Project (or Current Initiative) Management system, I can see my goals progressing so much more clearly. The "first thing" rule never sat well with me - that part of me that doesn't like being told when to do something I guess :-) - but being able to do it "when I feel like it" - ah now that really does it for me!
Funny but I'd not consciously built flex time into my daily schedule, but with AF I am finding it IS happening. The main benefit of that is time to think - something I don't feel I have been doing effectively for quite some time!
February 16, 2009 at 9:27 |
Christine B
Christine B
Hi Christine
It's hard for me to articulate the difference between the Current Initiative and projects that I'm currently working on. Both are important and being worked on yet, the current initiative has a hard to describe dissimilar orientation. I look forward to doing my current initiative as my first thing to do. I regard it as a positive launching pad to commence my workload and other activities of the day. Of course, it doesn't precede my regular morning ritual. I could hardly start it before hygiene, allowing the dog to relieve herself, etc.....Yet, many people do exactly that! LOL! "To each his own....."
Everybody thinks and does differently I suppose. I, too, have strong individualistic tendencies, but not toward my own choices. I can both run my own game and be an effective team player so long as I am given enough latitude to do things in my own fashion. I litterally BRISTLE when ANYBODY tries to boss me and will either stonewall them or shut them out. Yet, I can be counted on to do my part if I'm properly considered. However, when I obey my own directives, I feel self-suppoting! LOL!
I've always respected flex time. I have a great advantage as my father trained me well how to both plan and how to appreciate being extemporaneous! He was my example. He managed to be a serious surgeon, researcher, professor and philanthropist and....and the neighborhood's Pied Piper of Hamilton! LOL! His example continues to inspire me...He truly loved being of service and offering up joy.
learning as I go
It's hard for me to articulate the difference between the Current Initiative and projects that I'm currently working on. Both are important and being worked on yet, the current initiative has a hard to describe dissimilar orientation. I look forward to doing my current initiative as my first thing to do. I regard it as a positive launching pad to commence my workload and other activities of the day. Of course, it doesn't precede my regular morning ritual. I could hardly start it before hygiene, allowing the dog to relieve herself, etc.....Yet, many people do exactly that! LOL! "To each his own....."
Everybody thinks and does differently I suppose. I, too, have strong individualistic tendencies, but not toward my own choices. I can both run my own game and be an effective team player so long as I am given enough latitude to do things in my own fashion. I litterally BRISTLE when ANYBODY tries to boss me and will either stonewall them or shut them out. Yet, I can be counted on to do my part if I'm properly considered. However, when I obey my own directives, I feel self-suppoting! LOL!
I've always respected flex time. I have a great advantage as my father trained me well how to both plan and how to appreciate being extemporaneous! He was my example. He managed to be a serious surgeon, researcher, professor and philanthropist and....and the neighborhood's Pied Piper of Hamilton! LOL! His example continues to inspire me...He truly loved being of service and offering up joy.
learning as I go
February 16, 2009 at 12:38 |
learning as I go
learning as I go
Hi learning as I go
I always had good intentions regarding my Current Initiatives, which were generally backlogs (I was great at creating those!) but think I did manage to confuse them with my projects. Great technique for dealing with backlogs - confuse it with something else in the hope that it'll go away! :-) Can't quite see why that didn't work......... :-)
Funny my backlogs are being cleared quite nicely now - not magically, not at the speed of light, but steadily and surely.
Hope you're having a good day today - it's feeling like a real Spring morning here so a good day for being motivated!
I always had good intentions regarding my Current Initiatives, which were generally backlogs (I was great at creating those!) but think I did manage to confuse them with my projects. Great technique for dealing with backlogs - confuse it with something else in the hope that it'll go away! :-) Can't quite see why that didn't work......... :-)
Funny my backlogs are being cleared quite nicely now - not magically, not at the speed of light, but steadily and surely.
Hope you're having a good day today - it's feeling like a real Spring morning here so a good day for being motivated!
February 16, 2009 at 12:59 |
Christine B
Christine B
Hi Christine
My Current Initiative was my backlog.....ONCE a couple of years back. After Mark mentored me through that mess, I vowed to myself to stay current. I don't ever want to experience that again! LOL! Yet......while it was my Current Initiative, Mark's words "It can only get smaller" kept me both hopeful and motivated. On occasion I might have to clean up a couple of past day's tasks that fell to the wayside for various reasons but that's hardly a backlog. I aim to keep my vow to myself regarding backlog. Implementing my version of DIT quite easily took care of that.
I'm always willing to give Mark's new ideas a try. He has certainly improved my quality of life more than he could ever know. Even though every idea hasn't worked with me, enough of them have to be always willing to at least give them a proper go!
learning as I go
p.s. You've inspired me to take an early reward....The sky is blue and the dog needs relieving again. Plus, it's "free" exercise for me!
My Current Initiative was my backlog.....ONCE a couple of years back. After Mark mentored me through that mess, I vowed to myself to stay current. I don't ever want to experience that again! LOL! Yet......while it was my Current Initiative, Mark's words "It can only get smaller" kept me both hopeful and motivated. On occasion I might have to clean up a couple of past day's tasks that fell to the wayside for various reasons but that's hardly a backlog. I aim to keep my vow to myself regarding backlog. Implementing my version of DIT quite easily took care of that.
I'm always willing to give Mark's new ideas a try. He has certainly improved my quality of life more than he could ever know. Even though every idea hasn't worked with me, enough of them have to be always willing to at least give them a proper go!
learning as I go
p.s. You've inspired me to take an early reward....The sky is blue and the dog needs relieving again. Plus, it's "free" exercise for me!
February 16, 2009 at 14:44 |
learning as I go
learning as I go
You know, the one thing that jumped out at me about this is how it seems that if we can't get through every page every day, then we're going to be looking at Page 1 more often than Page (last page), thereby ignoring Page (last page). I guess I don't see the problem, however, with starting on Page 8 if we only get up through Page 7 the day before. I get that we should be going through all pages every day, though.
I'm doing this with Omnifocus.
I'm doing this with Omnifocus.
March 19, 2009 at 7:08 |
Curt S
Curt S
Hi Curt
You don't go back to the first page every day - you always restart from the point that you left off. If you finish for the day on page 7 then you restart from page 7 and only return to page 1 once you have worked through every page. The FAQ's may be of help to you
http://www.markforster.net/forum/post/645945
Good luck!
You don't go back to the first page every day - you always restart from the point that you left off. If you finish for the day on page 7 then you restart from page 7 and only return to page 1 once you have worked through every page. The FAQ's may be of help to you
http://www.markforster.net/forum/post/645945
Good luck!
March 19, 2009 at 8:12 |
Christine B
Christine B
I am happy to report that the task "Fly to store by flapping arms" has been dismissed. Finally. :-)
(cf. earlier post on this thread, February 7, 2009 at 4:09)
(cf. earlier post on this thread, February 7, 2009 at 4:09)
June 12, 2009 at 22:29 |
Seraphim
Seraphim
Seraphim:
How did it manage to stay on your AF list for over four months without being dismissed?
... or actioned?
How did it manage to stay on your AF list for over four months without being dismissed?
... or actioned?
June 12, 2009 at 23:18 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Hi Seraphim and Mark
ROTFL ROTFL ROTFL Thanks for the hearty laugh! I envision Seraphim with a HUGE AF list and everytime he sees the Flapping task, he thinks....."I'd rather choose another task that doesn't involve any type of flapping"......yet there are still items on the page so it doesn't get dismissed! ROTFL! ......and I visualize Mark looking at his AF list and thinking....."Not only is he aborting the dismissal rule, what on earth is in his head to keep the flapping task there? ROTFL
learning as I go
ROTFL ROTFL ROTFL Thanks for the hearty laugh! I envision Seraphim with a HUGE AF list and everytime he sees the Flapping task, he thinks....."I'd rather choose another task that doesn't involve any type of flapping"......yet there are still items on the page so it doesn't get dismissed! ROTFL! ......and I visualize Mark looking at his AF list and thinking....."Not only is he aborting the dismissal rule, what on earth is in his head to keep the flapping task there? ROTFL
learning as I go
June 13, 2009 at 2:19 |
learning as I go
learning as I go
p.s.
Scenario 2
Mark, leaning over Seraphim's shoulder while he's scanning his list........
"Seraphim:
How did it manage to stay on your AF list for over four months without being dismissed?
... or actioned? "
Seraphim replies......I've got the blasted thing written on EVERY PAGE!!!!!
learning as I go
Scenario 2
Mark, leaning over Seraphim's shoulder while he's scanning his list........
"Seraphim:
How did it manage to stay on your AF list for over four months without being dismissed?
... or actioned? "
Seraphim replies......I've got the blasted thing written on EVERY PAGE!!!!!
learning as I go
June 13, 2009 at 2:26 |
learning as I go
learning as I go
@Learning -- >>>"I'd rather choose another task that doesn't involve any type of flapping"......yet there are still items on the page so it doesn't get dismissed!<<<
Yes, that's pretty much it. It just never stood out. Other things did.
@Mark -- >>>How did it manage to stay on your AF list for over four months without being dismissed?<<<
Soon after making that entry, I came to that page several times, but a few other items always stood out. Flapping arms never did. So, I did the things that stood out, and moved on.
But then a good deal of April and May were spent focused on some very time-consuming projects. I could spend several days focused on just one task -- not moving forward from my current page at all. This tended to cause new incoming tasks to build up at the end of the list.
And so, once I got free from that big pressing project, I suddenly had a large number of tasks that created something of a backlog. Working through that backlog took a long time, especially as new tasks kept getting added to the list. I could spend a week or two chasing my last page in that situation.
So, the last two times I saw that particular page was on 4/21 and then again on 5/5. And then today.
Generally this all worked out pretty well. I spent most of my time either (A) focused on a very important project that really did require 95% of my attention for an extended period of time, or (B) working very close to the end of the list, staying current on tasks as they came in, knowing that I had stuff on my earlier pages that I hadn't seen in weeks, but also feeling quite comfortable that I wasn't missing anything urgent that might be hiding on those pages. If anything really important was still on those earlier pages, I knew I'd get to them eventually.
It does seem something of an anomaly that it occasionally might take me a month to get back to the beginning of the list. But it still does seem to work pretty well. The "flow" of Autofocus is still intact, especially when I'm in that mode of working toward the end of the list, staying current with whatever stands out. I also still have great confidence in the system, and have the great feeling that it's helping me filter and focus on what's really important.
And when there isn't the pressure of one of those top-priority deadlines that takes my full attention for a couple weeks, it generally takes just a few days to cycle back to the beginning of the list.
Mark -- does this all make sense? Or do you think I'm missing some key idea?
>>>... or actioned? <<<
Does that really need any explanation? :-)
Yes, that's pretty much it. It just never stood out. Other things did.
@Mark -- >>>How did it manage to stay on your AF list for over four months without being dismissed?<<<
Soon after making that entry, I came to that page several times, but a few other items always stood out. Flapping arms never did. So, I did the things that stood out, and moved on.
But then a good deal of April and May were spent focused on some very time-consuming projects. I could spend several days focused on just one task -- not moving forward from my current page at all. This tended to cause new incoming tasks to build up at the end of the list.
And so, once I got free from that big pressing project, I suddenly had a large number of tasks that created something of a backlog. Working through that backlog took a long time, especially as new tasks kept getting added to the list. I could spend a week or two chasing my last page in that situation.
So, the last two times I saw that particular page was on 4/21 and then again on 5/5. And then today.
Generally this all worked out pretty well. I spent most of my time either (A) focused on a very important project that really did require 95% of my attention for an extended period of time, or (B) working very close to the end of the list, staying current on tasks as they came in, knowing that I had stuff on my earlier pages that I hadn't seen in weeks, but also feeling quite comfortable that I wasn't missing anything urgent that might be hiding on those pages. If anything really important was still on those earlier pages, I knew I'd get to them eventually.
It does seem something of an anomaly that it occasionally might take me a month to get back to the beginning of the list. But it still does seem to work pretty well. The "flow" of Autofocus is still intact, especially when I'm in that mode of working toward the end of the list, staying current with whatever stands out. I also still have great confidence in the system, and have the great feeling that it's helping me filter and focus on what's really important.
And when there isn't the pressure of one of those top-priority deadlines that takes my full attention for a couple weeks, it generally takes just a few days to cycle back to the beginning of the list.
Mark -- does this all make sense? Or do you think I'm missing some key idea?
>>>... or actioned? <<<
Does that really need any explanation? :-)
June 13, 2009 at 6:10 |
Seraphim
Seraphim
Seraphim:
Yes, that makes sense. Four months seemed a long time for a task to stay on the list if you were working the dismissal rule correctly. But in your particular circumstances it is understandable.
Now it's been dismissed will you be examining it to see if it can eventually be re-entered in a different format, e.g. "book flying lessons"?
Yes, that makes sense. Four months seemed a long time for a task to stay on the list if you were working the dismissal rule correctly. But in your particular circumstances it is understandable.
Now it's been dismissed will you be examining it to see if it can eventually be re-entered in a different format, e.g. "book flying lessons"?
June 13, 2009 at 11:21 |
Mark Forster
Mark Forster
Hi Mark
or he could add.....build gossamer wings and buy a matching tutu! ROTFL!
learning as I go
or he could add.....build gossamer wings and buy a matching tutu! ROTFL!
learning as I go
June 13, 2009 at 12:30 |
learning as I go
learning as I go
@Mark: >>> Now it's been dismissed will you be examining it to see if it can eventually be re-entered in a different format, e.g. "book flying lessons"? <<<
Now that you mention it, I've decided to add "watch some base-jumping video clips" to my list. :-) I think that's the closest I'll ever come to reinstating the flap-arms task. :-)
Now that you mention it, I've decided to add "watch some base-jumping video clips" to my list. :-) I think that's the closest I'll ever come to reinstating the flap-arms task. :-)
June 13, 2009 at 19:29 |
Seraphim
Seraphim
What is AF2?
learning as I go